If saving energy and reducing your utility bills is important then the choice of fireplace type and the type of energy source it will use is critical. Regardless of all the hype about gas prices increasing, gas is still the cheapest way to heat your home per Kw of Heat provided.

Here is a quick comparison based on 1KW of heat burned by the appliance:

Gas = 3p per kw

Electricity = 13p per kw

Wood = 30p per Kw

Bio-Ethanol = 74p per kw

The next issue to consider is the efficiency of the appliance. The appliance will cost the same to run regardless of what the efficiency is. All the efficiency does is decide how much of this burnt energy heats your home. The only way to maximise the energy you buying is to buy either a 100% efficient appliance like a flueless gas fire, an electric fire or a bio-ethanol fire.

Here is a quick comparison of 100% efficient appliances based on the same heat output

[2kw]

Flueless Gas Fire = 6p per hour.

2kw Electric Fire = 26p per hour.

2kw Bio-Ethanol Fire = 148p per hour.

All other types of heating [gas, wood or oil] waste heat by losing heat up the chimney or flue. So if you want to make sure you get the best deal for your home and your wallet before buying a fireplace you should ask:

What is the heat input rating of the appliance.

What is the efficiency of the appliance.

What is the cost “per Kw” of the fuel I will be burning in that appliance.

You must compare like for like based on the KW “input” rating of the various appliances. Then you can do a simple calculation to compare your costs of running the different appliances and how much you are really spending.